abstract
- Background: Helicobacter pylori is a globally prevalent pathogen linked to gut diseases and the oral cavity is increasingly recognized as an extragastric reservoir. Oral hygiene has been suggested to influence the prevalence of oral H. pylori, but its role remains insufficiently studied. This study aimed to detect oral H. pylori molecularly and evaluate its association with dental hygiene in children from El Salvador. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 87 children aged 6¿11 years. Saliva and dental plaque samples were collected and cultured on supplemented Columbia agar for identification of typical H. pylori colonies and their morphological characteristics by optical microscopy. Each culture was analyzed using real-time PCR to detect H. pylori DNA and dental hygiene was assessed using the O'Leary Index. Results: This study analyzed oral samples from children aged 9¿11 (56.3%) and predominantly male (58.6%), finding a 21.8% prevalence of H. pylori. Female children showed higher prevalence (13.8%) compared to males (8.0%), with a statistically significant association (p = 0.037). Virulence genes cagA and vacA were detected in 100% and 89.5% of positive samples, respectively. Spearman's Rho correlation test revealed a moderate, positive relationship (r = 0.3, p < 0.001) between oral H. pylori infection and the O'Leary Index. Conclusions: These findings highlight oral hygiene as a critical factor influencing oral H. pylori presence in pediatric populations. Improving oral hygiene practices could reduce oral H. pylori infection and its potential gastric implications. Further research into exploring oral therapeutic interventions against H. pylori is recommended.